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8205475 
Journal Article 
Review 
Nutritional immunity: transition metals at the pathogen-host interface 
Hood, MI; Skaar, EP 
2012 
1 
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
ISSN: 1740-1526
EISSN: 1740-1534 
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP 
LONDON 
10 
8 
525-537 
English 
22796883 
WOS:000306417400009 
Transition metals occupy an essential niche in biological systems. Their electrostatic properties stabilize substrates or reaction intermediates in the active sites of enzymes, and their heightened reactivity is harnessed for catalysis. However, this heightened activity also renders transition metals toxic at high concentrations. Bacteria, like all living organisms, must regulate their intracellular levels of these elements to satisfy their physiological needs while avoiding harm. It is therefore not surprising that the host capitalizes on both the essentiality and toxicity of transition metals to defend against bacterial invaders. This Review discusses established and emerging paradigms in nutrient metal homeostasis at the pathogen-host interface.